Picadillo with Rice and Black Beans Recipe
Overview:
Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with this delightful Picadillo recipe! Originally a Cuban dish, Picadillo has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of many, offering a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional version by using lean ground turkey breast instead of beef, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste. Paired with aromatic brown rice and hearty black beans, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. With a total preparation and cooking time of just 40 minutes, it’s also a quick and easy dinner solution for busy weeknights.
Recipe Information:
- Category: Poultry
- Keywords: Rice, Black Beans, Beans, Meat, Cuban, Caribbean, < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 400.1
- Total Fat: 11.3g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 49.1mg
- Sodium: 702mg
- Carbohydrates: 51.6g
- Fiber: 8.6g
- Sugar: 9.8g
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Lean ground turkey breast or beef | 1 lb |
Water | 1 1/4 cups |
Chunky salsa | 2 1/2 cups |
Black beans, drained and rinsed | 1 can (15 oz) |
Brown rice | 1 cup |
Apple, peeled and diced | 1 |
Spanish olives, sliced | 1/4 cup |
Ground cinnamon | 1/4 tsp |
Raisins | 1/4 cup |
Slivered almonds (for garnish) | Optional |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey breast or beef to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink.
- Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the meat aside.
-
Prepare the Rice and Black Beans Mixture:
- In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup of chunky salsa, and the drained and rinsed black beans.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Cook the Rice:
- Once the mixture is boiling, add the brown rice to the saucepan.
- Stir the rice into the liquid, cover the saucepan with a lid, and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the rice cook for 10 minutes, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow it to sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
-
Prepare the Picadillo:
- While the rice is cooking, return the skillet with the cooked meat to the stove over medium heat.
- Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of chunky salsa, diced apple, sliced Spanish olives, ground cinnamon, and raisins to the skillet.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the apples are softened and the flavors are well blended.
-
Serve:
- To serve, spoon the picadillo over the prepared rice and black beans mixture.
- If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of slivered almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Picadillo with Rice and Black Beans!
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground turkey breast or beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Customize the level of spice in your Picadillo by choosing a mild or spicy chunky salsa according to your preference.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables to the Picadillo, such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots, for an additional boost of nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Serve your Picadillo with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Experiment with different garnishes, such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice, to enhance the presentation and taste of your dish.
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, this Picadillo with Rice and Black Beans recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress!